Favours of the Foyle food festival

Live cookery demonstrations will be on the menu in the seafood festival marquee at Queen’s Quay and food stalls will be hosted by local chefs and restaurants.

There will be authentic seafood dishes to try and buy, as well as family fun with the ‘Taste Adventure’ and Riverwatch Aquarium’s Touch tank, along with lots of other entertainment.

Flavours of the Foyle runs from noon until 8pm on Saturday, June 30, and from 1pm – 6pm on Sunday, July 1. More information on this and the rest of the Clipper festival at www.derrycity.gov.uk/clipper.

“The North West has a fantastic array of seafood right on our shores and some very talented chefs,” said Mary Blake, Derry City Council event organiser. “Seafood is on the menu of all our best restaurants and I think it is something we really need to appreciate and celebrate.

“We will have planned some very inspiring live demonstrations, as well as an opportunity to sample dishes that can easily be prepared in your own kitchen, so there is no excuse for food lovers not to take home with them authentic flavours from the Foyle.”

One of the local chefs taking a leading role in the seafood festival is Emmett McCourt, a food heritage specialist and lecturer at North West Regional College.

Emmett said: “I have worked in kitchens all round the world and nothing compares with the seafood that comes from the North West coast of this island. I think it is time we showcased to the world the wonderful food products and culinary talent we have up here.

“Derry-Londonderry Port was not just a gateway for emigration; it was a conduit for foodstuffs in both directions. Seafood and other local products have played a big part in our culture and heritage and the festival will help us to rediscover and celebrate that part of our history.”

Flavours of the Foyle offers entertainment for the young and young at heart with ice sculpture, street theatre, storytelling with ‘fishy tales’, puppetry and other fund activities. The event will be supported by a wide ranging musical programme including performances by internationally acclaimed Sontas.

The boulevard of chefs and theatre of food kitchen is being supported by NI Good Food and will include demonstrations from acclaimed chef and radio presenter Paula McIntyre.

Flavours of the Foyle is being organised by Derry City Council with support from the Loughs Agency, the Ulster Scots Agency and Foras na Gaeilge.